Obituary of Ken F. W. Stouffer

Stouffer, Kenneth Frederick Wismer Passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Saturday May 1st, 2010 at the Welland County General Hospital, in his 91st year. Ken was born in Alsask, Saskatchewan, on July 3rd, 1919, to the late Ada and J. Wesley Stouffer. In 1925 the family moved to Amesdale, Ontario remaining there during the depression until World War II began when they moved to Fort Erie. Upon enlisting in the R.C.A.F. and finishing training as an Aero Engine Mechanic, Ken was posted to England, where he became a Flight Engineer on the four-engine Lancaster Bomber. He returned to Fort Erie at war's end with his bride, Mary and infant daughter, Helen. Ken worked for building contractor, W.B. Troup, until 1952 when he started working for H.L. Perry, a building contractor in Buffalo, N.Y. Remaining until his retirement at the age of 62. Dedicated to the Fire Service, Mr. Stouffer served as an active member of Fort Erie Volunteer Fire Dept. #1 for 30 years, (12 as Chief) and remained an Exempt Member until his death. He played an active role for 20 years, in the organizing of the annual Fire Training School for the Niagara District Fire Fighter's Assoc. He was a Life Member of the Fort Erie Douglas Memorial Hospital Foundation and served on the Douglas Memorial Hospital Board from 1969 to 1989, Life Member of the Canadian Assoc. of Fire Chiefs, Life Member of the Ontario Fire Chief's Assoc., Life Member of Seneca Hose, Co # 1, Life Member and Honorary Past President of the Niagara District Fire Fighter's Assoc., also a member of the Palmer Masonic Lodge for 60 years. He served a short term on the District School Board of Niagara and was involved in the Friends of Fort Erie Creeks organization. He was also a member in the Royal Canadian Legion. While Mr. Stouffer served as a member of the Douglas Memorial Hospital Board he saw the combined completion of the new Emergency wing and the celebration of the 50th anniversary, during his tenure as Chairman. Mr. Stouffer was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary whom he lost to cancer in 1999. He was also predeceased by his siblings Edgar, Harold, Ray, Herb, Winnifred and Mary. He is survived by children, Helen (Ken) Ebersole, Ridgeway, Alan Stouffer, Fort Erie, and Dorothy (Bob) Burns, Burlington, Ontario. Also survived by grandchildren Tara (John Schweikhard) and Scott Ebersole (Jennifer Teal), Aimee Stouffer (Gerald Beteau), Andrew Stouffer and Melissa Burns, Sarah Burns and Kenneth Burns as well as great grandchildren Lilly Schweikhard, Preston Ebersole, Alexandria Taylor (Burns) and Joshua Taylor (Burns) as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families and sister-in-law Jeannette Stouffer. Benner Funeral Services, 1105 Benner Ave., Fort Erie entrusted with arrangements. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 7-9 and Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9. Services will be conducted in the Benner Funeral Chapel on Thursday morning at 11 A.M. officiated by Rev. Austin Stouffer and assisted by Rev. Raye Brown. Interment to follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Douglas Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Greater Niagara General Hospital and Welland County General Hospital as well as Dr. Peter Gleeson and the various specialists who cared for our Dad during his hospital stay.